Today we’d like to introduce you to Evita Thomas & Chef Wendy. Their team shared their story with us below:
Chunkay is a Women-Owned, Open-air Restaurant featuring Authentic, Modern Trinidadian Cuisine. Our Mission is to Unite Foodies and introduce our Trinidadian Cuisine to The Palm Beaches. Chunkay started off as a Ghost Kitchen in 2020 during Covid-19, sharing a kitchen with a known Caterer in Lake Worth Beach, using our Proprietary Web Application; www.chunkay.app for curbside pick-up. We have since grown into a brick & mortar restaurant here in Riviera Beach with the support of our repeat customer base.
Our Chef and co-owner Wendy Tilkaran is a self-made chef who grew up on a farm in central Trinidad. By the age of twelve, Chef Wendy had learned how to butcher animals and prepare fish from locals in her village and learned their traditional scratch-cooking techniques. Chef Wendy improved her culinary knowledge and skills through the experience gained while catering for numerous Hindu weddings and events in Trinidad.
Her modest twist to Trinidad’s cuisine is moreish, her Chunkay (sauté) techniques and use of ethnic seasonings elevate traditional Trinidadian dishes, crafting special sauces and gravies give her a competitive advantage. Chef Wendy served over twelve years in the Trinidad and Tobago police force and operates Chunkay with her wife and Business partner Evita Thomas.
Evita Thomas has over 15 years of diverse management expertise and is an entrepreneurial-minded business professional that excels at developing strategic business, marketing, and operational plans. Evita has held several international management positions giving her the experience she has today. As the Secretary-General for the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Trinidad from 2014 to 2020, Evita was awarded the National Statesman award in 2018 from I Change Nations USA. for her humanitarian work.
Together, Chef Wendy and Evita look forward to realizing Chunkay’s vision. Chunkay has been awarded Best Caribbean Restaurant 2022 by Guide to Florida, featured in The Palm Beach Post by Liz Balmaseda, on PBS’s On the Town in the Palm Beaches with Frank Licari, in the Trinidad Express Newspaper, and reviewed by famous food critic The Hungry Black man who named Chunkay #1 black-owned restaurant in Florida 2022.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Chunkay launched during Covid-19, and that in itself was a challenge, in 2020 we had to tailor our initial business plan to be able to roll with the changes at that time. We are met with supply issues, staff shortages, lack of access to funding for a startup business, and high food costs. Our success thus far in dealing with struggles is based on using creative solutions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Chunkay is an open-air, authentic, Trinidadian restaurant, we offer dine-in and takeout and we are known for scratch-cooked food and drinks served with love, in an environment that makes you feel at home. We are most proud when our customers return and tell us how nostalgic Chunkay makes them feel. The food and energy here set us apart.
What were you like growing up?
Chef Wendy and I were both born in Trinidad, W.I. We grew up differently but connected on food as we call ourselves foodies. Growing up Chef Wendy was always cooking for family and friends, while I was playing with Tea Sets and camping. We both love exploring nature, the beaches, and traveling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkayfoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chunkayfoods/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chunkay-riviera-beach-2
Image Credits
Chunkay
